Undergraduate Research Posters

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  Separation of Blood Mixtures Using Fluorescently Labeled Antibodies

  Christopher Ehrhardt, Dani Jabado, and Emily Brocato

  Identifying and analyzing biological mixture samples at a crime scene are of paramount concern for forensic scientists, especially if that type of evidence contains only one cell type. The presence of multiple contributors in a biological evidence sample reduces the probative value of DNA evidence and can sometimes lead to its eventual loss of value. As such, this study was performed in an attempt to examine and evaluate flow cytometry analysis as a means to separate blood mixture samples labeled with fluorescent antibodies. Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) antibodies were specifically targeted and bound to HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) markers present on nucleated cells in the blood, after which they were isolated from the blood mixture utilizing Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) - A high throughput technique that separates cell populations based on their optical activity, followed by STR analysis. This approach was tested on fresh blood mixtures containing two contributors, where one contributor possessed an HLA A*02 allele that was not shared with the other contributor. We hypothesize that HLA A*02 positive samples would exhibit fluorescence when bound with the fluorescently labeled antibodies while the HLA A*02 samples would not. As such, we would be able to separate both cell populations using FACS followed by STR analysis. Such a work flow is believed to yield discriminant STR profiles unique to each contributor thus increasing the probative value of the evidence at hand. Results supported our hypothesis and yielded discriminant STR profiles for both contributors, with minor peaks from the A*02 negative contributor being observed in A*02 positive contributor sample. We can then conclude that HLA-A*02 antibodies coupled to FACS is a suitable method that can be utilized to evaluate and separate blood mixture samples in an attempt to yield discriminant STR profiles.

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  The Extension of RBC Longevity and Functionality in the Prevention of Graft Versus Host Disease

  Shanmuka Gadiraju and Megh Kumar

  Given today’s current scientific method of preservation, red blood cells (RBCs) donated or drawn from live humans have a storage life of approximately 42 days, after which the blood will be discarded due to of degradation of the RBCs. The mechanism that drives said degradation is known as oxidative stress, in which the cells’ inability to balance out the creation and excretion of free radicals causes a conformational change in the shape and efficacy of RBCs. In order to counteract the oxidative actions upon the cells, it has been thought that the addition of reducing agents, specifically ascorbic acid, the reduced form of Vitamin C, to the matrix in which the cells are stored can push back the adverse effects of oxidation, allowing the cells to be stored for at least 56 days.

  The method by which we quantify the efficacy of the said ascorbic acid treatment involves the measurement of blood redox potential using Nanoporous Gold Electrodes (NPGs). By using nanoporous electrodes in contrast to the more conventional planar electrodes, we can minimize the effects of biofouling on the electrochemical response, giving us more reproducible and consistent results. Through Open Circuit Potential (OCP) measurements, we have measured the redox potential of packed RBCs in both large volumes (milliliters) and in single drops (sub-microliters) over a 56-day period. The general statistical trend of the results of the OCPs over the past few months seems to suggest that the ascorbic acid treatment does indeed help stabilize the redox potential of RBCs.

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  Identification of “Kratom” (Mitragyna speciosa) Alkaloids in Commercially Available Products

  Julia Grzymkowski, Michelle R. Peace, and Justin Poklis

  “Kratom” is the common name for the botanical mitragyna speciosa. It is a tree native to Southeast Asia in which leaves contain the psychoactive alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Kratom is often ingested as teas, chewed, or smoked. It acts as a stimulant in small doses and as an opioid in large doses. Overdoses can result in vomiting, seizures, and death. Recently the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) placed Kratom on Schedule 1, but, due to public outcry, it was almost immediately removed.

  Eleven kratom based products were obtained from various tobacco shops, “headshops” and via the internet including: Choice brand capsule and powder, Krave brand capsule, Lucky brand powder, King Kratom and Purple Haze e-liquids with 0 mg nicotine and 12 mg nicotine, Mojo brand capsule, O.P.M.S Liquid Kratom concentrate, and a K. Kratom chocolate bar. These products and methanol extracted samples were analyzed for psychoactive alkaloids and other components using an AccuTOF Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

  The psychoactive alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine along with four other alkaloids, corynantheidine, corynoxine, paynantheine, and speciofoline, were identified in all 11 products.

  Unregulated commercial products made from kratom contain psychoactive alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. They are readily available in a variety of forms and may be prone to abuse.

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  Dredging Land Reclamation Causing Mucus Development in Massive Spherical Corals in the Spratly Islands, South China Sea: The Effects on China’s Fishing Industry

  Tiffany K. Ho

  Images from Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative depicted huge masses of white coral mucus secreted from coral reefs in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, an area where several land reclamation projects are occurring. The purpose of this research was to understand how increased sedimentation levels from the dredging land reclamation method affects mucus development in massive corals, such as Acropora, located in these reefs. Journal articles that focused on the biology of coral mucus, bacterial communities associated with coral tissue, mucus, and seawater, coral mortality from different environment impacts, coral coverage of reefs in Spratly Islands, and symbiotic relationships between reef fishes and corals were studied. The results showed that massive corals produce excess mucus to counteract the high sedimentation levels in the water column caused by dredging activity. Highly active heterotopic microbial communities are then attracted to the mucus’s dissolved organic carbon and perform respiration that rapidly consumes the oxygen and causes the coral to become stressed. Corals are important in the reef ecosystem, so the death of corals would affect fish higher up in the food chain. The South China Sea mainly supports the fishing industry in China. However, recent studies have shown that number of fish species has declined within the past eight years. The findings suggested that despite China’s two-month annual ban on fishery in the South China Sea, populations of fish will continue to decline as more land reclamation projects are implemented in the Spratly Islands, which would significantly impact the fishing economy.

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  Separation of Blood Mixtures Using Fluorescently Labeled Antibodies

  Dani Jabado

  Identifying and analyzing biological mixture samples at a crime scene are of paramount concern for forensic scientists, especially if that type of evidence contains only one cell type. The presence of multiple contributors in a biological evidence sample reduces the probative value of DNA evidence and can sometimes lead to its eventual loss of value. As such, this study was performed in an attempt to examine and evaluate flow cytometry analysis as a means to separate blood mixture samples labeled with fluorescent antibodies. Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) antibodies were specifically targeted and bound to HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) markers present on nucleated cells in the blood, after which they were isolated from the blood mixture utilizing Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) - A high throughput technique that separates cell populations based on their optical activity, followed by STR analysis. This approach was tested on fresh blood mixtures containing two contributors, where one contributor possessed an HLA A*02 allele that was not shared with the other contributor. We hypothesize that HLA A*02 positive samples would exhibit fluorescence when bound with the fluorescently labeled antibodies while the HLA A*02 samples would not. As such, we would be able to separate both cell populations using FACS followed by STR analysis. Such a work flow is believed to yield discriminant STR profiles unique to each contributor thus increasing the probative value of the evidence at hand. Results supported our hypothesis and yielded discriminant STR profiles for both contributors, with minor peaks from the A*02 negative contributor being observed in A*02 positive contributor sample. We can then conclude that HLA-A*02 antibodies coupled to FACS is a suitable method that can be utilized to evaluate and separate blood mixture samples in an attempt to yield discriminant STR profiles.

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  The Role of CaMK-II in the Development of Leukemia/Lymphoma in Danio Rerio

  Daniel Mohammadi

  Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a blood disorder characterized by aberrant proliferation of immature lymphocytes. ALL is the most common cancer in children and can result from external influences, such as radiation, or internal influences, such as genetic mutation. Additionally, Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMK-II) is a serine/threonine protein kinase whose increased expression has been found in various leukemias. Zebrafish and human immune cells are analogous and both species have conserved hematopoietic stem cell specification mechanisms. In this study, the constitutively active form of CaMK-II, resulting from a threonine to aspartic acid point mutation at the 287 base-pair location (T²⁸⁷D), was paired with the EGFP transgene using Tol2 Gateway technology and injected into zebrafish at the one-cell stage. The zebrafish expressing the transgene were outcrossed to wild type and mutant p53 zebrafish and then monitored for leukemic development using flow cytometry and pathology. Based on FACS results, the mutant p53 bearing the T²⁸⁷D mutation were found to have increased levels of lymphocytes compared to the mutant p53 zebrafish without the T²⁸⁷D mutation. Furthermore, hematologists confirmed the development of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma from histological slides prepared from the mutant p53 with the T²⁸⁷D mutation. The mutant p53 without the T²⁸⁷D mutation did not yield such results. These findings highlight a potential role of CaMK-II in the abnormal development of lymphocytes and provide a useful model, from which, drug studies can be performed for potential treatment options.

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  Improving binding affinity through cyclization

  Kaylee M. Newcomb and Nicolas Abrigo

  Cancer chemotherapy results in systematic damage as the drugs used are also toxic to benign tissue. Sensitizing a cancer cell to therapy by interfering with the DNA repair mechanisms would decrease overall toxicity, as the necessary dosage of chemotherapy drugs would be lowered. The Hartman lab developed a peptide (8.6) that binds with a KD of 1 μM to the C-terminal domain of breast cancer associated protein (BRCA1), blocking homologous recombination. The crystal structure of the peptide shows the tyrosine and threonine residues are close together, suggesting that by cyclizing these positions, the peptide may already be constrained into its bound conformation. A series of dibromomethylnaphthalene linkers of various length were synthesized and cyclized through alkylation of the cysteine residues on peptide 8.6. The binding of the cyclic peptides with the BRCA1 (BRCT)2 domain will be compared to peptide 8.6 through the use of fluorescence polarization.

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  Alexithymia Moderates the Association Between Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Adolescent Adjustment

  Hayne Noh

  Rates of suicide among African American youth are increasing faster than any other ethnic group (Bridge et al., 2015). With mental illness associated with suicide rates, it is essential to understand how symptoms manifest during adolescence. Although the association between maternal depression and poor adolescent adjustment is well established, there is a dearth of evidence examining the impact of maternal alexithymia on adolescent adjustment, particularly among low-income youth. The goal of the study was to elucidate the role of maternal alexithymia (difficulty understanding and expressing emotion) in the association between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent adjustment within a sample of low-income urban youth.

  Data from the current sample were drawn from Project COPE, a 4-year longitudinal study of low-income urban youth from the eastern United States. The analytic sample consisted of youth (N = 351, Mage=12.20 years, SD=0.68 years at baseline) and their maternal caregivers from Time 1 of the study. The youth identified as 91% African American and 53% male. Maternal depression and Alexithymia was assessed using self-reports from the Brief Symptoms Inventory and the Toronto-Alexithymia scale respectively. Adolescent adjustment (anxiety and depressive symptoms) was assessed via caregiver reports from the Child Behavior Checklist. Results from moderation analyses revealed that maternal alexithymia moderated the association between maternal depression and perceived adolescent adjustment. Specifically, the association between maternal depressive symptoms and decreased perception of youth’s adjustment was stronger in mothers with high alexithymia. These findings illustrate the negative impact of maternal alexithymia on youth adjustment and subsequent poor outcomes.

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  SKINTRONICS: Wireless, Skin-Wearable Electronics for Monitoring of Electrocardiogram

  Matthew B. Piper, Woon-Hong Yeo, and Yongkuk Lee

  The ECGs I micro-fabricate are designed to be flexible, stretchable and wireless circuits that can be applied to the skin directly. The device is encased in a conformal, silicon-like substrate, that allows the ECG to be attached with the electrodes. Each electrode has been previously measured and verified that it will be correctly placed for an accurate reading. Prototyping this ECG/electrode device allows the user to mount the prototype directly to the patient without having to attach and wire ten other electrodes. This prototype solves the issue that comes about when a doctor, nurse or emergency medical technician must attach a traditional 12-lead ECG that requires sufficient knowledge and experience to place each electrode accurately and precisely in order to achieve an accurate reading. In my fabricated device, the ECG is wired directly to the three most crucial electrodes placed at V₂, V₃ and V₄ based on the traditional precordial electrode placement for a 12-lead ECG. By covering these three positions, my research team and I can ensure we achieve an accurate reading, and will find the correct placement due to the compact design with pre-placed electrodes. Another benefit of this prototype is its flexibility. This allows the circuit to be more durable when being picked-up, transferred to the patient, and then removed; this may also allow for multiple applications whereas conventional electrodes can only be used once. This prototype is currently in the preliminary stages of testing and will hopefully be implemented into medical practice in the future.

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  Isolation of a Novel Phage OTooleKemple52

  Thomas O. Raymond

  A bacteriophage is a virus capable of infecting bacteria like ubiquitous soil-dwelling genus Bacillus. Within the Bacillus genus, there is the “ACT family” made up of B. thuringiensis, B. cereus, and B. anthracis, which are highly related but with different pathogenic characteristics. Because of this, phages isolated using a species in this group may have a broad host range encompassing several species from Bacillus. Since B. cereus and B. anthracis can result in fatal to mild sickness in humans, the non-pahtogenic B. thuringiensis kurstaki was used to discover and characterize novel phages. The phage OTooleKemple52 was isolated from a soil sample collected from Chesapeake, VA using “soil enrichment” to increase phage concentration and thus make detection more likely. A phage plaque was observed from this enrichment infection upon plating. The phage population was then purified until the morphology of the phage plaques was consistent (3 mm diameter with pinpoint clear centers). A large volume of phage stock (high titer lysate, HTL) was collected and was then used to obtain purified DNA for gel electrophoresis and genome sequencing. Additionally, an HTL sample was stained with 1% uranyl acetate and imaged using transmission electron microscopy to determine a myoviridae morphology with a head diameter of 80 nm and a tail length of 200 nm. The phage has a broad host range and was able to able to form plaques on 6 out of 8 Bacillus strains tested. The genome of the phage will be annotated and compared to other phage genomes.

  Through studying phages we can work to better understand both phage diversity and the interrelatedness of the Bacillus genus. The benefits of studying bacteriophages have reaches from environmental to medical significance because of the ubiquitous and pathogenic characteristics of the host bacteria.

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  EVOLUTION OF PROTEIN COMPLEXES IN BACTERIAL SPECIES

  Shwetha Hara Sridhar, Wedad Albalawi, and Peter Uetz

  Protein complexes are composed of two or more associated polypeptide chains that may have different functions. Protein complexes play a critical role for all processes in life and are considered as highly conserved in evolution. In previous studies, protein complexes from E. coli or Mycoplasma pneumoniae have been characterized experimentally, revealing that a typical bacterial cell has on the order of 500 protein complexes. Using gene homology (orthology), these experimentally-observed complexes can be used to predict protein complexes across many species of bacteria. Surprisingly, the majority of protein complexes is not conserved, demonstrating an unexpected evolutionary flexibility.

  The current research investigates the evolution of 174 well-characterized (“reference”) protein complexes from E. coli that have three or more subunits. More specifically, we study the evolutionary flexibility by using evidence and patterns of the presence or absence of the subunits across a range of 894 bacterial species and to interpret whether the evolution is due to the loss or gain of a subunit in the protein complex. The purpose of this study is to determine how the presence or absence of a subunit affects the protein complexes’ functionality. We discuss the functional changes observed in a protein complex due to the presence or absence of a particular subunit by using a statistical approach and by confirming its significance.

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  Can a layer of antimicrobial agents be placed around breast implants to prevent staph infections from occurring?

  Valerie L. Tran

  The most common infection that occurs after breast augmentation is a staph infection. Currently, there are only three ways to treat this type of infection, all of which treat the breast implant after the infection has developed. The first option is to treat the infection with an oral antibiotic. If this doesn’t completely rid the infection, then intravenous antibiotics are used. If this too doesn’t remove the infection, then surgery will be performed to remove the breast implant and a new implant will be inserted. Although, these options have a low mortality rate, the success rate of completely getting rid of the infection, within the first try, is low. Therefore, there needs to be a way to completely stop the occurrence of staph infections, within the first try. That is why a literature review of research is being conducted to see if a thin layer of antimicrobial agents can be placed around the breast implant to prevent staph infections from occurring. If this is possible then staph infections can significantly decrease, and the cost of having the patient to undergo more surgery or treatments options will also decrease. Currently, a variety of scholarly sources from a range of authors will be evaluated to compare which antimicrobial agents would correspond best with the proposed solution. In addition, other scholarly sources will be used to see if other methods are available or more efficient than what was originally presented. Furthermore, other sources that have studies that oppose the use of an antimicrobial agent around an implant will also be taken into consideration as well. This is implemented in the literature of research, to combat any possible challenges and introduce solutions to these issues. As of now, the current trend from my research shows that the use of antimicrobial agents around breast implants surpass the efficiency and effectiveness of other methods that are currently being proposed to combat staph infections. Future implications that can arise from this, is the ability to conduct further research on other implants, to see if a layer of antimicrobial agents can also be used.

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  Incorporation of Interprofessional Education and Special Care Dentistry into Standard Dental School Curriculum

  Marshall D. Adzima

  According to dentistry, special needs is defined as individuals whose medical, physical, psychological, or social situations may make it necessary to modify normal dental routines in order to provide dental treatment for that individual. The population of special needs patients is increasing. The lack of educated professionals in special care dentistry is leading to severe and untreated systemic and oral health problems in the special needs population. The implementation of interprofessional treatment for special needs individuals has proven to be the most effective method of treatment within the special needs population. This study examines the current application of special care dentistry and interprofessional education curriculum through the analysis of case studies and surveys in order to establish a reform that provides a more comprehensive implementation of classes that train oral health professionals on how to treat special needs patients. Despite newly established accreditation standards, graduating dental students are adequately prepared to engage in the treatment of special needs patients. Some studies have suggested that a mandatory post graduate year for dental students will correct this problem, however, this is an expensive solution that would present a financial burden to dental students. A system that combines special care and interprofessional education courses into a didactic and hands-on learning curriculum that will fit into curricula and surpass the CODA accreditation standards. Forming a universal special care dentistry curriculum taught through an interprofessional approach, special needs patients will not only receive better care but cost and treatment will improve as well.

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  Perfluorocarbon (Oxycyte) as Innovative Therapy post Spinal Cord Injury

  Kunva S. Barot

  Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic, life-altering event, which presently, cannot be reversed. A key component of the secondary injury cascade of SCI is an inadequate blood supply (ischemia) present at the injury site, leading to a decrease in oxygen delivery (hypoxia), and possibly neuronal cell death (apoptosis). However, a third generation perfluorocarbon (Oxycyte^TM), at the appropriate dosage, can improve oxygenation of the injured tissue and overall motor behavior. To test this hypothesis, adult Long-Evans rats were divided into six experimental groups: a control group, a laminectomy group with no treatment, a 2 mL/kg and 5 mL/kg saline group, and a 2 mL/kg and 5 mL/kg Oxycyte group, with the focus on the 5mL/kg Oxycyte group. After performing a laminectomy on T9-T10 of the spinal cord, a 10g weight-dropping device was used at 25mm height, to mimic SCI, and the respective treatment was given. Post operation, rats were monitored and subjected to scoring according to the BBB scale and inclined plane test, to determine improvement on a functional level, day 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 after surgery. After functional tests were conducted, rats were euthanized for various lab tests, including histopathology and immunohistochemical analyses, to determine the key apoptotic related proteins, including caspase-3, ERK1/2, and TNFα. The results indicated a statistically significant improvement in recovery, on a functional and molecular level, in rats receiving 5 mL/kg dosage Oxycyte. However, more research of the optimal safe, efficacious dose needs to be conducted to present this research in a clinical setting.

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  Film Tourism and Expectation: Using the Hallyu Wave to Model How Governments and Media Exports Influence National Image

  Aishat O. Bello

  Film tourism encompasses the interest, investment and influence that exported media products can contribute to cultural globalization, and subsequent visitation of a nation. The Korean Wave or Hallyu wave has been studied and commended for its rapid spread and growing popularity within Asia and more recently, on a more global scale. By comparing and contrasting the methods used by the Korean government to enhance Hallyu, with several trade deals made by the US government to support Hollywood, we can see how the effects of film tourism were directed towards modifying perspectives on Korean culture. A few consequences of making trade agreements with the US are also discussed, as these affected local film industries and global stereotyping through US cultural imperialism. Using peer-reviewed studies and primary sources, it can be said that the Korean Wave is a consequence of imitation of Hollywood practices. However, we can infer from similar successes in other nations, including New Zealand, that there are various reproducible methods to boost film tourism and influence national image.

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  Healthcare Access in Women’s Prisons: An Intersectional Perspective

  Megan R. Bray

  This project will be identifying the key factors that contribute to the significant lack of health care in prisons in the U.S., specifically in women’s correctional facilities. I will be lending my focus to disparities in mental health, HIV/AIDs care, reproductive health, trans health, and physical health issues among women who are either currently incarcerated or those who have completed their sentences and are at higher risk for re-entry after attempting re-integration. There is a lack of care, access, and proper treatment for women inmates in U.S. prisons and reform is needed. I foresee the best possible way to accomplish this change short-term is by reforming healthcare policies in prisons, creating competency trainings for healthcare professionals in correctional facilities, including individualized services and trauma informed care, creating community-based services on the outside, and advocating for policy reform outside of prisons until they are abolished altogether. By creating better access to care for women outside of prison, many crimes of necessity will decrease, as well as substance abuse among those coping with physical disabilities and/or mental illness.

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  Forensic Chemical Analysis of Synthetic Cathinones Using Portable Mass Spectrometric Instrumentation

  Caitlin N. Cain

  Forensic laboratories face issues with large backlogs on evidence needing to be analyzed is due to two reasons: budgeting issues and the emergence of designer drugs. Currently, forensic laboratory directors cite that there are a shortage of scientists to deal with the yearly increase in caseloads. Additionally, designer drugs like synthetic cathinones, commonly known as “bath salts,” have increased the backlog due to the changing chemical compositions and misidentification as other compounds. Therefore, the use of a portable mass spectrometer for on-site forensic chemical analysis of synthetic cathinones would reduce the backlog of suspected controlled substances in forensic chemistry laboratories. A comparison of research on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), typically used in forensic laboratories, and ambient mass spectrometry, an upcoming method, was conducted to determine which technique would be more suitable for on-site analysis of synthetic cathinones. Ambient mass spectrometry techniques are proven to successfully analyze these evidence samples without degradation and to be employed in the field without extensive power requirements at a low cost. Also, ambient mass spectrometry methods are able to be conducted by non-technical operators. Through use of portable ambient mass spectrometry techniques, synthetic cathinones would be accurately identified in the field, reducing the strain of the backlog in forensic laboratories. Future studies are needed to make the analysis of a spectrum coming from an ambient mass spectrometer easier for non-technical operators to identify synthetic cathinones.

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  The Netflix Effect and Defining Binge-Watching

  Brenna C. Davis

  With the accessibility of television programs provided by popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, consumers can watch episodes or seasons of their favorite programming in just one sitting. This new practice of watching television has been referred to as binge-watching, and is defined by Netflix as watching two to six episodes of the same show in one sitting. Netflix’s definition is the most widely used definition of binge-watching, but does not account for the varying lengths of episodes for the different types of programming. There is a lack of standardization in what constitutes a television binge, like the standards that exist for other binge behaviors, and a lack of research conducted about how these new television watching practices affect health and wellness. To bring awareness to television binging habits and encourage further research of this subject, I studied the neurocognitive and behavioral motivations and effects of excess indulgence to propose a new definition for binge-watching. I found high patterns of television use were associated with increased risk for heart disease and all-cause mortality, poorer cognitive function in midlife, shortened leukocyte telomere length, and disrupted circadian rhythm patterns, independent of factors such as physical activity and family history. I assessed binge-watching in comparison to binge-drinking and used the format of a study on the perceptions of binge-drinking to conduct a survey of college students on their television practices and perceptions of what constitutes binge-watching. Using these results and the research discussed, I will propose a standard definition for binge-watching television.

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  Smart Fabrics for Colorimetric Detection

  Breland Edwards

  Due to the prevalence of chemical warfare, soldiers often carry chemical sensing devices, to warn of oncoming nerve agents. However, these devices are cumbersome. A lightweight, wearable chemical sensing fabric that doubles as a protectant against toxins would be beneficial. This fabric can be created by incorporating (1) organophosphate hydrolase, an enzyme capable of degrading organophosphates and releasing an acidic by product, and (2) polyaniline, a color changing polymer that changes from purple to green in the presence of acid, into nylon or polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers. The first step is to produce fabrics containing polyaniline and demonstrate that the fabrics change color in the presence of an acid.

  Specifically, we have incorporated polyaniline into the fabrics using two methods. In one method, the polyaniline dispersions are blended with polyvinyl alcohol and electrospun into nanofibers. In the second method, polyaniline is grafted to the surface of nylon nanofibers.

  Currently, the sensitivity over numerous cycles is under investigation. The lowest sensitivity of instantaneous color change for the nylon grafted fabrics was 1.6μM HCl. Further research will be conducted to establish a standard detection sensitivity and to incorporate organophosphate hydrolase into the fabric.

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  The Relationship Between Exercise and Depression and Anxiety in College Students

  Joshua Frank, Dr. Amy Adkins, Nathan Thomas, and Dr. Danielle Dick

  The literature shows an inverse association between exercise and mental disorders. The aim of this study is to further elaborate on this association with regards to exercise and its relationship with anxiety and depression in a college sample. The subject group focused on seniors in the Spit for Science data set which incorporated a total of 821 students. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to estimate the overall metabolic equivalents (MET’s) each student spent in walking, moderate, or vigorous activity levels in the previous week. Sum scores were used to measure depression and anxiety. Overall,the data showed that students 124 students had a walking or low activity level, 255 had a moderate activity level, and 442 had a vigorous or high activity level. There is a significant mean difference in anxiety and depression sum scores between moderate compared to vigorous and moderate compared to low exercise classifications, however no significant mean differences were found between vigorous compared to low exercise groups. Tests showed the correlation between overall MET’s per week compared to anxiety and depression was significant, with an inverse association between the two. This inverse relationship showed that as the overall MET’s increased, the sum score of depression and anxiety both decrease and vice versa. Regression analyses are underway, and covariates are being assessed, for further analyses to determine the relationship between exercise and depression and anxiety. The results of this study can lead to understanding the link between how much exercise is needed to derive a mental benefit as well as where the threshold amount of exercise needed to reverse detrimental effects of inactivity is.

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  Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Storage Lesions (RCSL) in Red Blood Cells - Analysis of Ascorbic Acid (AA), N-Acetylcysteine amide (AD4), and Serotonin (5-HT)

  Shanmuka Gadiraju

  Oxidative stress is a common occurrence in red blood cell (RBC) storage in blood banks throughout the world. Typically RBC units stored under routine standard protocol (stored in SAGM-CPD additive solution) can only be kept up to 42 days for transfusion usage before being discarded. I am studying the effects of Ascorbic Acid (AA), N-acetylcysteine amide (AD4), and Serotonin (5-HT) as additives in blood bank storage because I want to find out if these additives can reduce storage-induced oxidative stress on red blood cells (RBCs), in order to help my reader understand how potential blood storage additives can affect the shelf life of blood and post-transfusion recovery in patients. I conducted literature review by studying various journal articles that looked from metabolism to proteomics and the synergy of the different additives. These various additives significantly alleviated a range of signs of oxidative stress on RBCs including but not limited to replenishing GSH, decreasing percent hemolysis and lysis, inhibiting the phospholipid rearrangement, and encouraging ATP production. By reducing these symptoms of oxidative stress, RBCs are able to last longer without any significant changes biochemically, and decrease the chances of post-transfusion complications such as Graft vs Host disease (GVHD). The new additive solution could potentially increase the patient’s outage post-transfusion recovery rates as well as increase the shelf life of RBC storage units past the standard 42 days. Future research should be examined at other additives such as DHA, which RBCs actual transporters in the membrane.

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  Reproductive Success of a Neotropical Migratory Songbird in Response to a Changing Climate

  Ashley Grupenhoff and Lesley Bulluck

  Climate change is of rising concern especially due to how and if this changing climate affects individual species and their fitness. Migratory species, especially long-distance migrants, are ideal models for exploring the relationship between warming temperatures on temperate breeding grounds and decreased precipitation on tropical wintering areas. Few studies have long term data sets to observe species-specific assessments of fitness in relation to changing precipitation and temperature patterns, and those that have assessed these relationships show inconsistent results. We analyzed long-term data of a neo-tropical migratory songbird (Protonotaria citrea) to assess the potential relationships between indices of reproductive success and variation in tropical rainfall and breeding season temperature. We found that the species tended to have longer breeding seasons in years with increased annual temperatures and increased rates of double brooding with increased precipitation in the wintering grounds. Prothonotary warblers had smaller first clutches in stronger El Nino years, though this relationship was weak. Breeding ground precipitation was not correlated with any index of reproductive success. Results suggest that a combination of breeding ground temperature and wintering grounds precipitation play a role in the timing of spring breeding and the prevalence of double brooding, respectively. These findings are important for predicting the sensitivity of long-distance migratory birds to changes in climate, and provides additional evidence for carry over effects between portions of the annual cycle in migratory songbirds.

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  Depression Intervention Programs in Low-Income High Schools

  Gopika Hari

  It is estimated that 2.6 million adolescents suffer from major depressive episodes each year. Research has noted that symptoms in youth have become indicators of mental health complications later in life. Studies reveal that low income is a risk factor for depression and that socioeconomically-disadvantaged teenagers are more than twice as likely to develop mental illnesses. Only roughly 25% of children with mental illnesses receive adequate help and 80% of these resources come from schools. This study focuses on establishing the importance of depression intervention programs in low-income high schools and on designing novel guidelines for effective protocols. A compilation of expert opinion on depression screening, education, and treatment, as well as analysis of previously implemented school screening and/or awareness programs, was examined in order to understand key strategies. This study found that a multi-layered approach that includes screening, universal education, and high-risk intervention is most effective in addressing mental health needs of low-income adolescents. To ensure feasibility and efficacy, screening should be conducted with a modified PHQ-a test and followed-up with timely clinical interviews by school psychologists. All students should receive universal depression education curriculum consisting of principles like depression literacy, asset theory, and promotion of help-seeking behaviors. Extending universal education to teachers would also be beneficial in promoting mental health communication and positive classroom environments. It is vital that students screened positively for depression or suicidality then receive high-risk protocols, ranging from group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to facilitated mental health center referrals based on individual severity. Effectively addressing depression in school systems requires integration of mental health promotion, depression prevention, and psychotherapy. By taking a multidimensional approach addressing all three aspects, public health officials and school administrations can ensure that adequate resources are being directed to those most in need.

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  Effects of HIV and Drugs of Abuse on the Blood-Brain Barrier

  Gopika Hari

  Despite effective systemic therapy, HIV-1 infection within the brain results in neuronal degradation and neurocognitive dysfunction. This neurocognitive dysfunction is worsened in the setting of opiate abuse. The central nervous system (CNS) is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a selective barrier regulating the passage of substances from peripheral circulation into the CNS. The BBB is composed of microvascular endothelial cells encased by basal lamina, pericytes, and perivascular astrocyte endfeet. Intracellular junctional complexes comprising of adherens and tight junctions are located between the endothelial cells and form tight barrier, preventing traffic of compounds between cells (paracellular flux). Clinical and in vitro data suggest that BBB integrity is compromised in HIV infection, which leads to a leaky barrier. Brain microvascular endothelial cells also express efflux transporters that are responsible for the extrusion of substances from the brain back into the blood. P-glycoprotein is a drug efflux transporter involved in the efflux of many antiretroviral drugs and overexpression of P-glycoprotein can limit therapeutic concentrations of substrate drugs within the brain. Additionally, P-glycoprotein expression and/or function may be altered in the setting of HIV infection and in the setting of drug abuse.

  In order to study the impact of morphine, a commonly used opiate drug of abuse, on drug-efflux proteins at the BBB, we measured the effects of morphine and the HIV-1 protein Tat on P-glycoprotein expression and function. hCMEC/D3 cells, which are human derived brain microvascular endothelial cells, were pre-treated for 24 hours with Tat (100nM), morphine (500nM), or Tat (100nM) + morphine (500nM). P-glycoprotein function was evaluated by measuring intracellular accumulation of the prototypical P-glycoprotein substrate, rhodamine-123. Compared to control, statistically significant increases in cellular accumulation of rhodamine-123 were observed in both the morphine (mean±SEM; 118±6.5%, p<0.05) and Tat+morphine (118 ±13.1%, p<0.05) groups, suggesting decreased efflux activity of P-glycoprotein. Protein expression of P-glycoprotein was measured using western blot analysis. Significant decreases in P-glycoprotein expression was observed in all treatment groups as compared to control; Tat (63±4.2%, p< 0.05), morphine (64±13.5%, p<0.05) and Tat+morphine (69±15.6%, p<0.05). Understanding the factors that influence efflux transporter function and expression in the BBB are crucial in optimizing antiretroviral penetration into the brain, even in the setting of drug abuse.

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  Potential for Aerobic Exercise to Release Growth Factors to Induce Cognitive Changes in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

  Maya Harrington

  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming increasingly prevalent among adolescents, and while the number of individuals diagnosed with the disorder grows, there continues to be no cure or even a clear treatment path for ASD. This study analyzes the biological stimulations that create cognitive changes—which are induced by intensive aerobic exercise—within the brains of individuals ages 8-18 diagnosed with autism. I studied journal articles on the current treatments available for ASD, the increasing prevalence of the disease, the cognitive alterations of the autistic brain relative to the brains of individuals without the disease, the release of growth factors due to aerobic exercise, and the benefits of brain derived neurotic factors (BDNF) on the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. I identified that aerobic exercise stimulates the release of growth factors such as BDNF, which target primarily the cerebral cortex and the hippocampal regions of the brain essential for learning and memory processes along with synaptic plasticity. Since adolescents with ASD have a higher risk for obesity and overall tend to have thinner myelin sheaths and shorter axon lengths, aerobic exercise as a physical component and the protein growth factors that are produced as a result of aerobic exercise as a chemical component will prove to be a possible treatment option for ASD. Since there are no current treatments that have a guaranteed benefit for reducing of symptoms of ASD, the identification of aerobic exercise as a viable treatment option will provide to be a safe and healthy alternative to medications that are currently available.